Top Three Health: Avoid these things to ease allergies

April 19, 2010

Allergies aren't just for springtime. Prevention magazine found other surprising triggers and has tips on how to avoid them and get some relief.

1. STRESSFUL DEADLINES

In a 2008 experiment, researchers found that allergy sufferers had more symptoms after they took an anxiety-inducing test, compared with when they performed a task that didn't make them tense. Stress hormones may stimulate the production of IgE, blood proteins that cause allergic reactions. If you're under stress, be sure to get enough sleep. A sleep deficit can worsen both allergy symptoms and stress.

2. AN EXTRA GLASS OF WINE WITH DINNER

Alcohol can raise the risk of perennial allergic rhinitis 3 percent for every additional alcoholic beverage consumed each week. One potential reason: bacteria and yeast in alcohol produce histamines, chemicals that cause telltale allergy symptoms such as stuffy nose and itchy eyes. To get relief, be sure to avoid alcohol when your symptoms are acting up.

3. WAITING TOO LONG TO TAKE MEDS

Medications that block histamines work best before you're even exposed to allergens. So start medication a couple of weeks before the season commences or before you'll be around allergens (if you react to grass, before a golf game, for example).